You have probably heard of Bethany Children’s Health Center. Maybe you’ve driven past it on historic Route 66 or seen their inspiring stories appear on your social media feed. You might know that the innovative leader in pediatric rehabilitation has been around for 125 years. But until you have a chance to visit, it’s hard to understand all that happens on these 180 acres. The Center began as an orphanage in 1898, before becoming a convalescent home and hospital for children with complex needs. It has since emerged as a world-class pediatric rehabilitation facility and is the only inpatient pediatric rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma. The Center has outgrown five expansions in the last 20 years alone, and leadership has continually added and expanded programs as new needs have been identified. The Complex Care Unit provides specialized health care to children, ranging from newborns to 20 years old, with complex medical needs. These patients often present with chronic health conditions and require ongoing medical care. They tend to be the most complicated cases, and the definition of a successful outcome can vary widely from patient to patient.The Pediatric Medical Rehabilitation Unit is a multidisciplinary team that works with the child and family to develop an individualized plan of care. Each patient in this program is evaluated by the team and receives a comprehensive plan to address their specific functional and medical goals. A patient takes in the holiday decorations at Bethany Children’s Health Center. | Photo provided The team collaborates with patients and their families to maximize the patient’s physical and cognitive potential, ensuring that families have the training and resources needed for a smooth transition from hospital to home. Outpatient services, such as primary pediatric health care and specialty services, also take place on campus. The Center provides comprehensive rehabilitation therapies such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional support, and more.A line in their mission statement clarifies the belief fueling their work: All children are of equal worth. Read it again—all children are of equal worth. This guiding principle has served as the foundation of the organization for more than 125 years, and its daily application is on full display. In the quiet, darkened rooms of the Complex Care Unit, children on ventilators rest while receiving round-the-clock care. A spacious gym serves patients with different long-term goals surrounding large motor skills, assisted by talented therapists. Dedicated educators oversee orderly classrooms and work to ensure that patients are developing essential life skills, helping each child reach their highest potential and achieve their unique goals. The team at the Center has risen to meet every occasion. One example is an on-site pharmacy that not only provides the doses required for inpatient care but also serves patients after they return home. The pharmacy now ships medications across the state, ensuring that even those in the most rural communities can get their prescriptions.A nondescript building has been reimagined into a small town dedicated to helping children return home. An entire house allows kids to practice everything from stepping over a threshold to navigating the kitchen and bathroom independently. Part of the purpose of this house is to train parents on the technology that will help their children once they’re back home. Adaptive technology exists for everything from playing video games—which helps with hand-eye coordination—to showering independently, one of the most important aspects of regaining independence. A small shop helps kids in wheelchairs learn how to navigate tight corners—a necessary skill for returning to communities where not everything is wheelchair accessible. A school bus helps kids learn how to get on and off safely. As I audibly pondered how wonderful this was for kids preparing to return home, my tour guide explained a more sobering reality: for the children who will not be able to return home, it provides a small taste of the world beyond the Center. Bethany Children’s Health Center is also dedicated to improving the health and preventing injuries of Oklahoma’s children. These teams see survivors of childhood tragedies every day and have channeled resources into safety education and injury prevention through community outreach programs. These programs host safety workshops and provide resources in areas like car seat and child passenger safety, bike and pedestrian safety, and ATV safety. They also fund curricula and training focused on nutrition, tobacco use prevention, injury prevention, and more. As the demand for care has increased and programs have expanded, the Center has once again outgrown its existing space. To address this need, a 200,000-square-foot, $178 million building is already under construction. The “Landmark of Hope” expansion includes a brand-new outpatient tower, providing much-needed space for more health care professionals to address the growing waitlist for services. The tower will also allow the Center to expand its community outreach programs, thanks to a state-of-the-art immersive auditorium, chapel, space for adaptive sports, and community development areas. The concept offers a unique design that will stand as a landmark on historic Route 66—a vibrant, colorful, four-story caterpillar. Symbolizing transformation, the caterpillar will welcome patients and families to the Center. The landmark will be ready just in time for the Route 66 Centennial, and the building will open to the public in 2027. For those looking to connect with the Center, “The Joy of Christmas” is an important tradition. The campaign starts on November 20 and invites the community, churches, businesses, and volunteer groups to participate by buying gifts for patients who are spending the holiday season at the Health Center. “This is one of the most unique and tangible ways for the community to connect with the Center,” said Nico Gomez, chief executive officer for Bethany Children’s Health Center. “Our Christmas events give children and families the chance to experience the joys of home, even while they’re here at the Center. It is more than just a holiday event for the staff—it’s a reflection of the mission they practice year-round.” “The Joy of Christmas” kicks off each year with a special tree-lighting ceremony, where a patient uses adaptive technology to light the tree—officially launching the campaign. Donors are welcome to drop off gifts, volunteer to wrap presents, or take a tour to see the Center’s legendary Christmas decorations. Looking for a holiday gift for someone interested in Oklahoma’s humanitarian history? A new book released this year, “A Legacy of Hope,” documents the history and legacy of the Health Center and follows the incredible journey of siblings Carol and Albert Gray. Carol began at the Center in 1977 as a volunteer coordinator and is now senior director of mission and culture. In 1978, her brother Albert joined her and is now executive chairman of the board after serving as CEO for more than 40 years. All proceeds benefit the Health Center.To learn more about Bethany Children’s Health Center, participate in the Joy of Christmas campaign, or purchase “A Legacy of Hope,” visit https://www.bethanychildrens.org. The post Mission Driven appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less